back by the massive diesel exhaust pipe? no thanks. you’re really setting kids up to be healthy! the front the driver can see if the child is far enough away (hence the pole) and it keeps the kid in sight for any other stopped cars next to the bus. Also I hold you understand running around saying things like “it just never ceases to amaze me how car-centric the US is” is offensive and micro aggressive. we have what we have, and that’s a lot of room.